Walton and Frinton, Essex - At 2.50 p.m. on 24th July, 1966, during the sea cadets' regatta, the weather conditions deteriorated and on the advice of the lifeboat coxswain the organizers decided the event should be cancelled. The wind had increased and the sea off the Walton front had become rough. The life-boat Edian Courtauld proceeded at 3.33 in a strong south-westerly wind and a rough sea. It was four hours after low water. She stood by until all the sea cadets were ashore. The life-boat then proceeded to the anchored barge British King which had been used as a floating headquarters.

A local boat was taking her in tow. After a member of the boat's crew had fallen overboard and had been picked up, the life-boat took over and towed the barge to her moorings. The life-boat then returned to her station, investigating a small motor boat on the way and advising its three occupants to abandon their trip to Clacton. She arrived back on station at 7.48 p.m..